PuNch DoWn ToOL

A punch down tool, also called a punchdown tool or a Krone tool (after wiring systems manufacturer ADC Krone), is a small screw-driver sized tool used for connecting wiring to a punch down block. The tool consists of a handle with a spring mechanism inside and at the tip a small square piece of metal with a square hole in it. To use the punch down tool, a wire is inserted in between the two metal blades on a punch down block and the punch down tool is pressed down on top of the wire and the two blades on the punch down block. This requires a bit of pressure until with an audible snap the wire is stripped and contact made as it is pushed down between the two punch down block blades.

PatcH PanEL

A patch panel or patch bay is a panel, typically rackmounted, that houses cable connections. One typically shorter patch cable will plug into the front side, while the back will hold the connection of a much longer and more permanent cable. The assembly of hardware is arranged so that a number of circuits, usually of the same or similar type, appear on jacks for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient, flexible manner.